Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 103 Part 3.djvu/527

 PROCLAMATION 5892—OCT. 28, 1988 103 STAT. 2595 lion Americans have been infected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HTV), which causes AIDS. Most of the infected individuals now show no sjonptoms, but it is likely that over the next few years they will develop AIDS or AIDS-related illnesses. Extensive efforts by Government and the private sector are underway in the fight against AIDS and HIV infection, and great strides have been made. In the 7 years since the first reports of AIDS cases, the virus has been identified; the ways in which it is spread have been pin- pointed; an AIDS antibody screening test has been developed and is being used to protect blood supplies; the first steps toward develop- ment of a protective vaccine have been taken; and promising drugs to fight the hSV and its manifestations are being synthesized and tested. Nevertheless, today we have neither a ciu-e for AIDS nor a vaccine against HIV infection. For this reason, it is vital that every individual know how HFV infection is spread—and that we understand how to prevent the spread. The virus is most commonly spread through sexual contact with an infected person, especially through homosexual prac- tices; through intravenous drug use with contaminated needles; and through other transmissions of infected blood. The virus is not com- monly spread through ordinary, everyday, nonsexual contact. To prevent the further spread of AIDS and HIV infection, we must heed lessons taught by medicine and moraUty alike. The Surgeon Gen- eral has reminded all of us that the best way to prevent AIDS and the HIV is to abstain from sexual activity until adulthood and then to re- strict sex to a faithful, monogamous relationship. This wise coimsel, along with saying "no" to illegal drugs, can prevent the spread of most AIDS and HIV cases. Parents should explain to their children the good- ness and blessings of chastity before marriage, of soUd family life, and of a drug-free way of life. One of America's greatest strengths has always been our ability to work together in times of adversity. We must rely on this strength to sustain us as we work to prevent the spread of AIDS and the HTV and as we care for those already afflicted. The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 192, has designated October 1988 as "National AIDS Awareness and Prevention Month" and author- ized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this occasion. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 1988 as National AIDS Awareness and Prevention Month, and I call upon Americans to ob- serve this occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- eighth day of October, in the year of oxir Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth. RONALD REAGAN

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